Operation William Wallace clears Abu Tina

Building upon recent success in the Diyala River Valley, Iraqi and Coalition Soldiers conducted Operation William Wallace, Aug. 8, to destroy al-Qaeda elements in the Abu Tina area:

DIYALA RIVER VALLEY, Iraq – Conducting an early-morning air assault, the 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, partnered with Soldiers from Troop B, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, cleared the village; resulting in four terrorists killed, two suspected terrorists detained and a weapons cache discovered.

“This mission is important because while it provides a secure environment for the citizens of Abu Tina, it also reduces elements within the area that are known to target nearby villages,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala province. “Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups have no place in Diyala. We will find them and they will be brought to justice.”

While conducting a thorough clearance of Abu Tina, Coalition Forces killed two al-Qaeda members after being engaged in separate incidents. Attack helicopters from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade killed an additional two armed men as they tactically maneuvered in a canal system around the objective area.

The detainees, one of whom was discovered with the weapons cache, were transferred to a facility for further questioning.

“We will continue to take advantage of the increased forces in Baqouba, allowing Iraqi and Coalition Forces to aggressively target other key areas that the terrorists perceive as their safe havens,” said Sutherland.

So what's significant about this operation? Its aimed at what al Qaeda in Iraq considers their safe havens, and is resulting in Coalition Forces taking control of areas of the country al Qaeda has always felt safe operating in.

This operation would not be able to occur if it wasn't for the successes in Baqouba and other areas of Diayla Provence. As the residents begin to turn on al Qaeda in Iraq units hiding in their villages more and more of these operations are going to occur. Resulting in fewer and fewr places for the enemy to hide.

Great job men! Here's hoping you have continued successes in hunting for and killing the enemy.